Remains of Sqn Ldr Samuel Bailey recovered from Moray Firth

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The RAF has confirmed that the remains of Squadron Leader Samuel Bailey have been recovered from the Moray Firth and formally identified.

Squadron Leader Samuel Bailey [Picture: via MOD]

The RAF has made the following statement:

The RAF can confirm that the remains of Squadron Leader Sam Bailey have been formally identified and the next of kin informed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them at this very difficult time.

The offshore wreckage recovery operation involving the Far Sapphire and the comprehensive examination of the incident site have been completed.

However, the search for any further items that may have been carried away from the crash site by the tide will continue along the coastline with members of the local police, the Coastguard and the RAF Mountain Rescue Team. Every effort is being made to recover as much as possible.

The next of kin of the aircrew involved in this tragic incident, and all at RAF Lossiemouth, are very grateful for the tremendous show of public support that has been evident.

We appeal to the media to continue to give families and friends privacy and the space to grieve over the coming days and weeks, as they begin to come to terms with their loss.